ACJC General Paper Department
JC2 Preliminary Exam 2020 Paper 2 Answer Scheme
1. In paragraph 1, why was Candid Camera’s host Allen Funt described as ‘an ingenious sociologist’ (line 6)? Use
your own words as far as possible [2]
From Passage
…an ingenious sociologist (line 6)
… brilliant programming (line 5)
Funt's hidden camera work and pranks were
thought of as a valuable look into (line 6-7)
… Candid Camera was seen as instructive and
progressive. (lines 8-9)
…an ingenious sociologist (line 6)
post-war society and the customs, rituals, and
behaviours of modern society at the time. (lines
7-8)
Question type: Literal
Examiner’s comments:
This question was answered well by most students.
2. According to lines 9-12, what were the 3 characteristics of participants of reality television in the post-war era? Use
your own words as far as possible. [2]
From Passage
When Candid Camera was first on the air in
1948, the extent to which it was reality television
was the simple fact that real people and their real
reactions to inane situations were being filmed.
(lines 9-11)
…There were no weekly, attention-seeking
types of characters (line 11)
…There were no weekly, attention-seeking types
of characters (line 11)
… nor were there real people who became
household names or pseudo-celebrities. (lines
11-12)
Question type: Literal + Inference
Examiner’s comments:
Most students were able to successfully paraphrase 3 characteristics. A number of students lifted ‘real’ and ‘attention’.
ACJC GP Department
Paraphrased
Allen Funt’s methods were inventive / new / novel / never
used before / intelligent / smart
OR
Allen Funt’s work offered an insightful / informative
observation / analysis of
how people / communities live together
OR
practices / traditions / way of life.
Note:
- Allow lift of ‘society’ if it is used together with a paraphrase of
‘customs, rituals and behaviours’.
- Do not accept if the answer is merely ‘study of society’.
Paraphrased / Inferred
(Real people) Participants of reality television in the past were
authentic / genuine / were ordinary people (not professional
actors)
Note: Do not accept literal paraphrase of ‘real people’ –
‘actual humans’
OR
(Real reactions) Participants of reality television in the past
gave actual / authentic / genuine / natural responses
Participants of reality television in the past were not overly
dramatic / did not exaggerate
Participants of reality television in the past were not featured
regularly / repeatedly / on a fixed schedule
Participants of reality television in the past remained unknown
/ did not become famous / did not achieve stardom / did not
become popular
1-2pts = 1m, any 3pts = 2m
1
3. In paragraph 2, what reasons does the author suggest as to why ‘reality television did not remain in such high
esteem’ (line 13)? Use your own words as far as possible. [2]

From Passage Paraphrased

Once the airwaves became saturated with this
genre of programming, many viewers expressed
frustration over the number of reality television
shows that were on the air. A study conducted
even credits viewers as stating that reality
television is the most overdone genre of
television. (lines 14-17)
Viewers were annoyed / irritated / exasperated because there
were too many reality television shows / were produced in
excess.
OR
(Inferred) Viewers were annoyed / irritated / exasperated
because these shows became boring / no longer interesting.

Note:
- Both ‘frustration’ and ‘saturated’ needed to get the mark
- Answer must capture negative connotation

Additionally, many of the shows that gained great The shows depicted unruly / unacceptable / despicable /
notoriety were shows that televised bad delinquent / immoral attitudes / actions / conduct.
behaviour on the part of the participants… (lines
17-18) Note: ‘Notoriety’ refers to the reputation of the shows, and is
not the reason for why reality television did not remain in such
Physical and verbal altercations, along with high esteem.
intoxicated antics and hyper-sexualized men and
women took over as the norm on these shows,
and people began to associate these characters
and behaviours with the genre itself. (lines 19-21)

Question type: Literal + Inferential

Examiners’ comments:
This question was answered well by most students. Some students did not capture both ‘frustration’ and ‘saturated’ to get
the mark for the first box. Students should note that the expression ‘a great amount of shows’ is not grammatical.

4. Explain what the author means when he refers to reality television as a ‘juggernaut’ (line 29). [1]

From Passage Paraphrased

Watching "real life" dramas unfold on our
television screens has become to many the
preferred way to view television, and the reality
show juggernaut has completely taken over as
the genre of choice for young viewers
everywhere. (lines 28-30)
He means that reality television is a huge / powerful / dominant
force / an industry to be reckoned with / a genre that has to be
taken seriously.
Note: Award mark if the answer captures either size or power.

Question type: Vocab

Examiners’ comments:
Most students did not successfully answer the question. Many students misinterpreted ‘juggernaut’ as a popular choice.

ACJC GP Department
2
5. In paragraph 4, how have reality shows given viewers a sense of ownership over the shows and connection with the
characters? Use your own words as far as possible. [2]

From Passage Paraphrased

With the prevalence of competition-based shows
steadily rising, audiences gain the ability to cast
their votes, (lines 33-34)
dismiss characters or competitors that they do
not enjoy, (line 34)
(With competition-based shows), viewers can select / choose /
pick the contestants they liked.
OR
Viewers can eliminate / reject contestants that they do not like /
are not entertained by.

watch the dismissal of the person that they so OR

desperately hope would lose (lines 38-39) Viewers witness the elimination / rejection of the people they
do not like / whom they do not want to win.

Note: Accept holistic answer – ‘decide the fate of the

competitors’

and even interact directly with characters via Viewers can communicate with / talk to contestants through
digital conversations, blogs, and social media. online platforms / via the internet.
(lines 34-35)
Allow lift for ‘digital’
These shows have also ushered in the age of
viewers gaining the ability to interact digitally
with them (line 32)

Question type: Literal

Examiners’ comments:
This question was answered well by most students.

6. In paragraph 8, explain how the author illustrates the way value systems in reality television are being ‘smashed into
each other, like atoms in an accelerator’ (line 67). Use your own words as far as possible. [2]

From Passage Paraphrased

On ABC's Wife Swap, the producers find the
most extreme pairings possible: an incredibly
affluent family from New York paired with a low-
income rural farm family, (lines 67-69)
… a high tech mum who streams her family’s
entire lives on the internet paired with a techno-
phobe mum who keeps her family far off the grid.
(lines 69-70)
The author uses the example of the reality television show
Wife Swap, where two families who are polar opposites / very
different are featured / placed / put together
Note:
- If students paraphrase any of the 2 episodes of the show
without mentioning the show itself, award the mark.
- Do not award any mark if the student merely mentions the
title of the show.
- Must capture intensity of ‘most extreme pairings possible’
- Allow lift of ‘most’

In reality television, value systems are smashed to show how these families end up in serious conflict / clash
into each other, (line 67) strongly with one another (because of their differing beliefs)

OR
to show how these families clash swiftly / rapidly with one
like atoms in an accelerator. (line 67) another (because of their differing beliefs)

Question type: Literal

Examiners’ comments:
Most students did not successfully explain the context in the second part of the answer. Students should explain the
quote given in the question.

ACJC GP Department
3
7. According to the author in paragraph 9, how is scripted television similar to Japanese Noh theatre? Use your own
words as far as possible. [1]

From Passage Paraphrased

… a stock group of characters (lines 73-74) Both Japanese Noh theatre and episodes of network prime-
time television are repetitive / routine / have expected
…grapple with endless versions of the same outcomes / problems / roles.
dilemma. (line 74)

…ritual predictability of Japanese Noh theatre:

Crimes are solved, lessons are learnt, order is
restored. (lines 75-76)

Question type: Literal

Examiners’ comments:
This question was answered well by most students. Students are reminded that for similarity questions, answers should
be phrased as ‘Both...’

8. Explain the author’s use of the ellipsis (…) in line 77. [2]

From Passage Paraphrased

Discovery's Deadliest Catch is an oddly Function
transfixing series about ... crab fishermen in the The author uses the ellipsis to provide a dramatic effect /
Bering Sea. (line 77) to introduce suspense / anti-climax / introduce a pause for
effect

Do not accept: to show irony (not a function of ellipsis)

Context
eventually revealing that the series is just about fishermen
catching crabs / the ordinary / mundane action of fishermen
catching crabs / the series is not ‘deadliest’ as the title
suggests

Do not accept: the show is not ‘oddly transfixing’

Question type: Punctuation

Examiners’ comments:
Most students provided the wrong function of the ellipsis, or did not provide the function at all. Students should note that
providing additional information is not the correct function of the ellipsis for this question.

9. Explain the author’s use of the phrase ‘worthy fodder’ in line 78 to describe the show Catch. [2]

From Passage Paraphrased

As a straightforward documentary, Catch would
have been worthy fodder, but the producers
have made it riveting by formatting the whole
season as a sporting event, with crab tallies for
each of the half dozen or so boats and a race-
against-the-clock urgency that, for all its
contrivance, gives structure and meaning to the
fishermen's efforts. (lines 79-81)
The phrase means that if Catch is evaluated as a standard /
normal / ordinary / run-of-the-mill documentary,
Note: Accept if student writes ‘straightforward’ without
paraphrasing
it would have been considered good enough / it would be
deserving of fame / it would have been considered a decent
show.

Note: The meaning of ‘fodder’ in this context: people or things

that are useful for the stated purpose (has no negative
connotation)

Question type: Vocab

Examiners’ comments:
Most students were not able to interpret “worthy” in relation to the genre of straightforward documentary.

ACJC GP Department
4
10. Suggest one reason why the author ends the passage with ‘Try the crab.’ (line 88) [1]

From Passage Inferred

In the end, any genre that provokes
such howls of protest is doing
something interesting. Try the crab.
(lines 87-88)
He wants people to watch the Deadliest Catch show to realise that reality
television can be interesting.
OR
He wants people to give reality television (represented by the show
‘Deadliest Catch’) a chance, and not dismiss the genre.

OR
He is recommending that all producers of shows should try to make their
shows interesting by using the format of reality television, just as the
producers of the crab show have done.

Note:
- Accept any sensible answer but it must mention reality television or
Deadliest Catch show – cannot just say ‘end the article in an interesting
manner’ without the context.
- Do not accept ‘forms a neat conclusion’ or ‘comes full circle’ – these
are suitable for passages that start and end with the same
example/reference.

Question type: Inference

Examiners’ comments:
Most students were able to provide a sensible explanation for the use of the phrase. However, some students provided
a vague answer which had no reference to the subject of reality television or the Deadliest Catch show. Students simply
mentioned that the author was referring to the example mentioned in an earlier paragraph.
Many students also incorrectly referred to the author wanting to end the article in an interesting manner without any
context or provided a memorised answer that referred to the author providing a neat conclusion / a conclusion that
comes full circle.

Some common language errors (throughout the section)

Wrong: The author is ‘trying to say’...

Correct: The author is saying that…

Wrong: To… (incomplete sentence)

Correct: It is to…

Wrong: use of ‘amount’ for countable nouns - ‘amount of people’, ‘amount of reality shows’
Correct: The number of people, the number of reality shows

ACJC GP Department
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 11. Using material from paragraphs 5-8 only (lines 41-70), summarise what the author has to say about the appeal of reality television. Write your
summary in no more than 120 words, not counting the opening words which are printed below. Use your own words as far as possible.
Reality television is appealing because……
No From the text Paraphrased
1. Reality television combines the best elements of 1. it incorporates / integrates / merges / selects / takes the finest /
documentary film and scripted television (lines 41-42) greatest / most outstanding features of documentary and
scripted television
allowed reality shows to skim the best elements of
scripted television and documentaries (lines 55-56)
Note: must capture the superlative in ‘best’
2. while avoiding the problems inherent in each (lines 42-43) 2. while keeping away from / steering clear of their challenges /
difficulties (of documentary and scripted television)
while eschewing the problems of each (line 56)
3. it explores controversial issues (line 43) 3. It looks into contentious / debatable / topics

It has engaged hot-button cultural issues (line 50-51)

4. provides valuable insight into the lives of others. (lines 43-44) 4. and offers deep understanding / enlightening perspectives of
people’s lives
Note: accept holistic understanding of ‘valuable insight’
5. it frames each episode in an overarching narrative that tells 5. Every episode tells an intriguing / captivating / refreshing tale /
an interesting story (lines 44-45) plot / account
Note: Both ‘interesting’ and ‘story’ required
Reality shows steal the story structure (line 57)
6. unscripted format elicits "emotional truths" that are more 6. (The unscripted style of reality television) evokes strong /
moving (line 45) powerful / intense feelings / sensitivities / sentiments
can place real people in artificial surroundings designed for OR
maximum emotional impact (lines 59-60) Reality television is more touching
7. ("emotional truths" that are more…) realistic (lines 45-46) 7. and convincing / authentic / genuine
8. observations are more objective than most contemporary 8. It offers insights that are more impartial / neutral / unbiased
documentaries (lines 46-47) (than most contemporary documentaries)
9. Television programmers see the genre as a cheap filler that 9. Reality television is inexpensive / low-cost (to produce)
saves them money (line 48)
10. they can use elsewhere for more worthy programming (lines 10. The funds can be channelled to more interesting / notable
48-49) shows
11. the liveliest genre on the set right now (line 50) 11. Reality television is exciting / fast moving / energetic

Reality shows steal the … pacing of scripted television…(lines

56-57)

Narrative vibrancy is not the only thing that electrifies these

shows. (line 61)
12. Reality television presents some of the most vital political 12. Reality television showcases crucial / important / essential
debate in America… discussion

13. … cultural issues – class, sex, race (line 50-51)
… particularly about class and race (lines 62-63)
ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition features intensely
emotional tales of people who have fallen through the
cracks in America (lines 65-66)
14. (It has engaged hot-button cultural issues) that respectable
television, including the august CBS Evening News, rarely
touches. (lines 50-53)
15. And it has addressed a visceral need for a different kind of
television at a time when the Web has made more traditionally
produced video seem stagey. (lines 53-54)
16. …but leave behind the canned plots and characters. (line
58)
13. about socio-economic status, gender and ethnicity.
Note: Award the mark as long as students paraphrase at least
2 of the issues on class, sex, race
14. (It discusses controversial issues) that more reputable / decent
/ proper shows seldom / hardly cover
15. Reality television meets a deep emotional / basic / innate /
intuitive / instinctive requirement / compulsion for something
different
16. Reality television does not have the clichéd / overused /
unoriginal storyline and roles (of scripted television).

17. They have the impact of documentary reportage (lines 57-58) 17. Reality television has the same influence as / effect of
documentaries
18. without the self-importance (lines 58) 18. without the arrogance / conceit / snobbery (of documentaries)
19. and general dismal sentiment. (line 59) 19. and miserable / gloomy / negative / bleak feelings / emotions
(of documentaries)
20. value systems are smashed into each other, like atoms in an 20. (Inferred) Reality television features clashing / conflicting
accelerator. (line 68) norms / beliefs / moral principles.
Allocation of Marks:
No. of points 1-2 3-4 5-6 7-8 9 10-11 12-13 14+
Marks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

ACJC GP Department
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Examiners’ comments:
- Points that required intensity (e.g. best) were not paraphrased accurately.
- Many students did not count the number of words in the summary and fill in the blank at the end of the summary. Some had used
more than 120 words.
- There were attempts to paraphrase keywords but many were not done accurately.

12. Michael Hirschorn writes about the criticisms and appeal of reality television. How far would you agree with
his observations, relating your arguments to your own experience and that of your society?

Requirement
Students should…
a) explain the criticisms and appeal of reality television (including the viewing and production of local and
international shows)
b) describe the benefits and detriments of reality television
c) show understanding and engage with the ideas and views raised in the passage
d) support their views with relevant examples from their own society

Explanation
Students should discuss some of the following in relation to their own society:
a) the criticisms and appeal of reality television
b) the various political, economic, social, and cultural impact of reality television
c) how people enjoy watching reality television and the positive and negative outcomes of doing so

Evaluation
Students should…
a) question/show reasons to explain if the author’s ideas are applicable or not applicable to their own society
b) provide insightful analysis of the criticisms and appeal of reality television in their own society and raise
relevant issues that have emerged/are emerging
c) critically evaluate the underlying benefits and detriments of reality television
d) provide cogent development of arguments
e) give examples from their own society to support their views

Coherence
Students should…
a) adopt a consistent viewpoint
b) argue logically
c) organise answers into cohesive, themed paragraphs
d) link paragraphs to show continuity and direction of argument
e) maintain relevance to the task in everything they write
f) end with a summative or concluding paragraph/ sentence

Examiners’ notes:
- Students are allowed to provide examples of international reality shows that Singaporeans watch, and need not
be limited to locally produced reality shows.
- Some students introduced an example immediately after the Ref without explaining and evaluating the Ref in
the Singapore context.
- Students also need to explain the examples in relation to the References, and not merely list down the
examples without any elaboration.
- Many students did not provide accurate examples of reality television- providing examples of docu-drama (e.g.
Crime Watch), social media posts (e.g. YouTube videos.), satire (e.g. The Noose), current affairs shows (e.g.
Talking Point), variety shows (e.g. The Sheng Shiong Show)

ACJC GP Department
7
12. Michael Hirschorn writes about the criticisms and appeal of reality television. How far would you agree with his observations, relating your arguments to your own experience
and that of your society?
References
Criticism: Reality television
as a genre is overdone, which
results in viewers being
frustrated.
Once the airwaves became
saturated with this genre of
programming, many viewers
expressed frustration over the
number of reality television
shows that were on the air.
(Lines 14-15)
A study conducted even
credited viewers as stating that
reality television was the most
overdone genre of television.
(Lines 15-17)
Criticism: Reality television
shows encourage bad
behaviour.
…many of the shows that
gained great notoriety were
shows that televised bad
behaviour on the part of the
participants. (Lines 17-18)
Shows such as Bad Girls Club,
Real Housewives, and many of
the dating shows often painted
characters in a negative light
(Lines 18-19)
ACJC GP Department
Guiding Questions / Applicable
Discussion Issues
Is the media Singaporeans are heavily exposed to foreign media, both
consumption in Asian and Western. American media is saturated with reality
Singapore saturated television and most other countries have also experimented
with reality television? with that genre and found success. Hence, Singaporeans too
find both local and cable television being saturated with reality
Do Singaporeans feel television shows, particularly the more successful ones. At the
that there are too many height of American Idol fever, not only were all the seasons
reality television shows? aired here, we even had our very own Singapore Idol that had
attracted Singaporeans of all walks of life to participate and
spectate. Likewise, following the success of Big Brother in the
Do Singaporeans feel UK, Japan has come up with Terrace House. Given the
annoyed that there are demand and support for foreign reality television, Netflix has
so many reality seen the potential for demand for reality television with a more
television shows? local flavour, hence it has introduced Singapore Social to its
platform just this year. Thus, it seems that reality television will
further saturate local airwaves.
Are reality television Despite strict censorship and ratings in Singapore, streaming
shows seen as a bad services are able to feature reality television programmes that
influence in Singapore? feature sexual scenes and other content that local and cable
television cannot. These services are not subject to the same
Do reality television restrictions that television programmes are since the
shows encourage subscriber needs to simply enter a code to allowed access to
negative behaviour? adult content. Many of the reality television shows on Netflix
feature alcohol consumption, vulgarities, and even LGBTQ
relationships which in particular have yet to gain support in
Singapore. Shows such as Love is Blind question the norms
of dating and marriage, while Dating Around, normalises the
LGBTQ dating scene and Too Hot to Handle overtly
sexualises its participants. Thus, in a conservative Asian
society such as Singapore, reality television can be seen as a
negative influence.
8
Less / Not applicable
It is not true that there are too many reality television shows in
Singapore. Singaporeans have a range of options when it
comes to visual media. As a well-connected country, our
options range from local television to cable television to
streaming platforms. As such, Singaporeans have a wide
range of media genre to choose from, and thus it is not true
that our choices of shows are dominated by the reality
television genre. In fact, out of the top 10 shows on Netflix,
only one or two of them are reality shows. Scripted television
series and Korean dramas tend to dominate these weekly
rated shows instead. This is a good indication that reality
shows do not saturate Singapore’s airwaves.
It is not true that there are viewers are frustrated over the
number of reality television shows in Singapore. Living in a
developed country, many Singaporeans have varied options
when it comes to choice of media. Despite the airwaves being
taken over by the likes of The Voice, America’s Got Talent,
and MasterChef, Singaporeans get to choose what they want
to watch. Given that our options range from local television to
cable television to streaming services, Singaporeans are not
annoyed with realty television swarming some of these
platforms as we have the choice to subscribe to another
channel or media content as and when we please. In fact, less
popular reality shows have disappeared, and there is still a big
demand for newer, more innovative reality shows. Hence,
while there might be many reality shows on air, Singaporeans
are not frustrated with the number of shows.
Singapore is predominantly a conservative society. Its laws
prohibit the use of drugs and take a firm stand on behaviour
that compromises public peace and individual safety. Parents
and schools have a similar stance on bad behaviour amongst
the young including the prohibition of the use of vulgarities
and underage sex and alcohol consumption. Hence, even
though many shows such as Big Brother and Survivor may
feature participants backstabbing, badmouthing or outright
bullying other participants, most of the younger generation are
influenced in their personal life by family and school to know
that such behaviour will not be tolerated. Moreover, schools in
Singapore carry out character development lessons and
programmes which educate against bullying and vices such
as drug and alcohol addiction. Thus, reality television’s bad
influence is limited in Singapore society.
Physical and verbal altercations,
along with intoxicated antics and
hyper-sexualised men and
women took over as the norm
on these shows, and people
began to associate these
characters and behaviours with
the genre itself.( Lines 19-21)
these portrayals of "real" people
helped reality television earn a
negative connotation (Lines 22-
23)
Appeal: Reality television
appeals to younger viewers
as the preferred genre.
Watching "real life" dramas
unfold on our television screens
has become to many the
preferred way to view television,
and the reality show juggernaut
has completely taken over as
the genre of choice for young
viewers everywhere.
Appeal: Reality television is
interactive and allows viewers
to connect with the
characters on the shows.
This interaction not only gives
viewers a sense of ownership
over the shows but also another
level upon which they can feel
connected to the shows and the
characters, thus making these
people and situations appear
that much more "real" to them.
Appeal: Reality television
explores controversial issues
ACJC GP Department
Are reality shows Reality television shows have definitely become a popular
popular with the choice as they have attractive qualities that draw the younger
younger audiences in viewers in. For example, the Netflix series Singapore Social is
Singapore? framed by glitz, glamour, and expensive backdrops, involving
several young people struggling to deal with the drama in their
Has the reality show lives. This involves parents' expectations, relationship
genre become the entanglements, sacrificing their happiness to stay competitive,
genre of choice for and such. Rebellion is also a big theme in the show. With
young viewers in such relatable themes that speak to the younger crowd, it is
Singapore? no wonder that they are highly popular.
The young nowadays are drawn to shows which feature a lot
of talents who can act, sing or dance. Young viewers who look
towards a different path to success instead of the usual
academic route aspire to be like the talents on reality
television programmes such as Campus Superstar, The
Voice, and Asia’s Got Talent.
To what extent are Living with a pervasive and saturated social media culture, the
reality shows young viewers in Singapore today thrive on constant
interactive? Do they engagement and are not content to watch television
allow viewers to programmes passively. For example, talent-based reality
connect with the television shows like Singapore Idol and Star Search
characters on the capitalise on the use of voting to gain viewers’ feedback. This
shows? is popular with young people in Singapore because it meets
their needs to be active participants through voting and giving
comments.
Do reality TV shows Reality television shows in Singapore provide a platform for
explore controversial the audience to engage with controversial cultural issues like
issues? social class and lifestyles. Renovaid features needy
Singaporean families needing a home makeover, giving
9
Reality television shows may be trendy but the younger
viewers who are more discerning do not necessarily see them
as the genre of choice as can be seen from the critical reviews
of shows like Singapore Social questioning how realistically it
portrays Singapore, for example, the different accents and the
upper echelons of society.
Many other choices of television programmes from popular
streaming channels and television apps like Netflix, YouTube
and Viu that contain a plethora of popular genres such as
romantic comedies, drama, documentaries etc are giving
reality programmes a run for their money. Hence reality
shows may not necessarily be the genre of choice for young
viewers given that there is such a slew of equally entertaining
shows that compete with reality programmes.
Not all young viewers want to feel connected to the characters
in reality shows as watching such shows is simply one of the
ways for many students and young adults to take a respite
from the stress of studying and working. Due to the long hours
at school and work, they would not want to spend time and
effort on the interactive nature of reality television such as
voting and giving comments. Most watch such shows for
leisure. They would prefer not to interact with the characters
on such shows but instead be passive viewers of local family
dramas like Lion Mums which are highly relatable to the young
people.
Singaporeans are not really interested in television shows that
explore controversial issues. Instead, most seem to prefer
shows that provide more shallow entertainment rather than
shows that engage in deeper issues. Shows like Singapore
and provides valuable insight
into the lives of others.
it explores controversial issues
and provides valuable insight
into the lives of others (line 43-
4)
It has engaged hot-button
cultural issues – class, sex, race
(line 51)
Do reality TV shows in viewers a glimpse of the challenges that these families face. Social that supposedly showcase the glamorous and indulgent
discussing socio- Singapore Social also gives viewers a look at the lives of lives of social influencers do not appeal to Singaporean
political issues appeal some young Singaporeans as they deal with issues like viewers because they are said to not accurately reflect the
to Singaporeans? career, romance and family. Viewers find these shows values and behaviour of the average Singaporean.
appealing because they help them learn more about the
diverse multi-racial and multi-cultural communities in the
country. Singaporeans are also curious about how people who
are different from themselves live their lives – this shows the
‘kaypoh’ nature of Singaporeans.

Reality television presents some

of the most vital political
debate … (lines 61-62)
Appeal: Reality television
offers fresh and innovative
content for viewers.
Reality shows have leaped into
this imaginative void (line 76)
Does reality television Reality shows do indeed provide fresh and exciting content to
offer fresh and Singapore viewers. Shark Tank gives viewers a perspective
innovative content for about business decisions and entrepreneurship that they
viewers? might not have experience previously. Next in Fashion allows
viewers to appreciate the intricacies of fashion design in an
exciting format. Ninja Warrior tests participants’ physical
abilities and athleticism through creative challenges and
obstacles. Korean reality show Running Man features many
interesting and innovative challenges that captivate
Singaporean audience. All these different shows contribute to
the diversity of shows that viewers are able to choose from,
and add creative and innovative content that they do not come
across in scripted television.
Not all reality shows offer fresh perspectives. In fact, most of
them follow the same format. Overly dramatic, exaggerated
behaviour are quite expected in reality shows. The same
voting and elimination types of challenges are aplenty. Shows
produced in Singapore like Project SuperStar, Singapore Idol
and The Voice all conform to this type of show. After all,
Singaporean audiences are more conservative in their choice
of shows and tend to prefer these tried and tested formats of
reality shows rather than any other more outlandish types.

ACJC GP Department
10